Measuring radio communications in transport systems, using drones in emergency situations, and forecasting air quality are examples of how computer science is becoming increasingly interconnected with the physical world. The master’s theses completed at the University of Jyväskylä’s Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius examine technology from a wide range of practical perspectives.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, 22 new graduates completed the master’s programme in Computer Science at Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius. Their theses demonstrate the breadth of the field: software no longer operates solely on computer screens but is increasingly integrated into transportation, industry, environmental monitoring, security, and everyday devices.
Two of the theses were awarded scholarships from the Chydenius Institute Support Association at last week’s SeminaarIT event. In his thesis, Jani Lemberg investigates the quality and performance of ITS-G5 radio communications in intelligent transport systems using software-defined radio in a real-world urban environment. Susanna Mertanen, meanwhile, examines how drones can support rescue and humanitarian operations in the context of emergencies and wartime conditions in Finland. Both theses approach technology from the perspective of real-world operating environments and practical needs. The collection, analysis, and utilisation of data support the activities of both people and systems.
The same connection can be seen in other theses as well. Sensors are used, for example, to monitor buildings and water flow, positioning technologies to identify moving objects, and machine learning to forecast air quality. At the same time, the theses address issues related to technological security, responsibility, and impacts on people. Further information about the theses is available on the CinetCampus thesis page.
Computer science is therefore no longer confined to the screen. It observes the environment, controls devices, transmits information, and supports decision-making—and, at its best, helps address highly concrete real-world challenges.
This development is also reflected in the educational offerings of the university consortium. The Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems study track within the Master of Science in Technology programme in Information and Software Engineering at the University of Jyväskylä combines software, data, artificial intelligence, and the physical operating environment. The study track places particular emphasis on physical artificial intelligence, bringing computer science increasingly towards systems that perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and operate in the physical world.